Alex Kurtzman’s time running the Star Trek franchise appears to be winding down, as Paramount has told him to prepare for the possibility of not getting a new contract when his current deal ends in August 2026. This information comes from insiders and was discussed on the Tachyon Pulse Podcast, which has been tracking the situation closely. Kurtzman’s production company, Secret Hideout, has been central to Star Trek’s recent output, but the contract is now focused on finishing current projects rather than extending his influence over future Star Trek shows.
The contract allows Kurtzman to complete any series in production at the time of expiration, but only if both sides agree. This means that if production on a show like Strange New Worlds is not finished by the deadline, there is no guarantee it will ever be released. The team is now under pressure to wrap up the fifth season of Strange New Worlds by early 2026, which is why the season is expected to have only six episodes. Production for the fifth season is set to start at the end of this year and must be completed quickly. Star Trek: Academy has already filmed its first season and is now working on its second, but any delays could put these projects at risk.
Sky Dance, a company looking to acquire Paramount, is reportedly exploring options to navigate the contract. They might negotiate a short-term deal with Kurtzman to finish any unfinished work, but nothing is certain. The relationship between Paramount and Kurtzman is being closely watched, especially after several recent Star Trek shows received mixed reviews.
The Star Trek fanbase remains divided over Kurtzman’s leadership. Some viewers appreciate the production values of the newer series, but many have criticized the writing and direction, with shows like Discovery and Picard failing to unite the audience1. The overall reception to Kurtzman’s work has been mediocre at best, and many fans are ready for a change.
Star Trek is not currently a top priority for Paramount Plus, as other projects, like those from Taylor Sheridan, are performing better in terms of viewership1. There is talk of releasing a couple of movies alongside the final seasons of current series, and possibly pausing television production before rebooting the franchise, similar to what happened with the J.J. Abrams films.
As Paramount and Sky Dance figure out the next steps, the future of Star Trek is uncertain. The end of the Kurtzman era could give the franchise a much-needed reset. Fans are now waiting to see what direction Star Trek will take, with many hoping that new leadership can bring fresh ideas and restore the franchise’s once stellar reputation.
***
English (US) · 